Troubleshooting Guides · Free Tool

Vortex Flowmeter Fault Finder

Choose what the vortex meter shows and get likely causes, checks and fixes for steam, gas and liquid service.

Zero at low flowFalse flowReads lowUnstable

What do you see?

SymptomReads zero at low flow

Most likely causeBelow minimum velocity or Reynolds number

First checkCompare velocity with meter limits

Causes in order of likelihood

Cause	How to check	Fix
Below minimum velocity or Reynolds number	Compare velocity with meter limits	Use a smaller meter or another technology
Low flow cutoff set high	Check cutoff setting	Lower within maker limits
Trigger level too high	Check signal amplitude settings	Adjust per manual

Before You Start

Work under a permit, inform the control room and put the loop in manual or bypass the trip before touching a live instrument.
Check K factor, pipe ID, units and density basis against the certificate.
Note normal velocity and compare with the meter minimum.
Look for vibration sources near the meter.

Vortex Flowmeter Fault Finder: All Symptoms

Reads zero at low flow

Likely cause	How to check	Fix
Below minimum velocity or Reynolds number	Compare velocity with meter limits	Use a smaller meter or another technology
Low flow cutoff set high	Check cutoff setting	Lower within maker limits
Trigger level too high	Check signal amplitude settings	Adjust per manual

Shows flow with no flow

Likely cause	How to check	Fix
Pipe vibration counted as vortices	Reading changes with pumps on or off	Raise filter or trigger; improve supports
Valve passing	Isolate both sides	Repair the valve
Electrical noise	Check grounding and cable routing	Correct grounding; segregate cables

Reads low

Likely cause	How to check	Fix
Wrong K factor or pipe ID	Compare configuration with certificate	Correct configuration
Two phase flow or wet steam	Check steam quality and traps	Improve separation and trapping
Short straight run or swirl	Check upstream fittings	Add straight run or conditioner

Reads high

Likely cause	How to check	Fix
Pulsation adds counts	Check pumps and compressors	Move meter or dampen pulsation
Density basis wrong for mass flow	Check pressure and temperature compensation	Correct the density source
Wrong units	Check units and totaliser	Correct settings

Unstable reading

Likely cause	How to check	Fix
Flow near minimum velocity	Compare with limits	Resize meter
Swirl from double bends	Check piping layout	Add conditioner
Gasket protruding into flow	Inspect at shutdown	Correct gasket centring

Key insight: a vortex meter counts pulses, so anything that makes pulses (vibration, pulsation) reads as flow, and anything too slow to shed vortices reads zero.